Question Set 1
- What Mechanics would you like to use for a game with a theme that revolves around being the size of a nanometer? I would want the mechanics of the game to focus on how you can use your environment to your benefit or just simply interact with it. Including things that would affect the player the size of a nanometer would be light/heat rays, water molecules, and other particles that would hurt or benefit the player.
- Who are you making games for? My target audience for the games I make would probably be older children and young adults.
- Who will be your play testers outside of class? My roommates, boyfriend, and boyfriends roommates will probably be my play testers outside of class.
Question Set 2
- Can you think of a game you were able to play without referring to the rules? A game that comes to mind is the game WAR with a traditional deck of cards. The only rules are whoever has the highest card takes both and whoever runs out of cards first loses.
- How do you define what a game is? I define a game as any type of play weather that involves cards, dice, imagination, etc… A game also consists of a set of rules to follow with multiple solutions to a specific goal.
- What features can make your games more intuitive? Having clear and consistent rules would make my games more intuitive for the players. Also, having a clear goal along with simple controls/ pieces/ cards for a player to easily understand and interpret.
Question Set 3
- What was your gateway game? What do you play to introduce others to gaming? My gateway game, specifically speaking of card games, is probably 500 Rummy. For me, it was easy to catch on and smoothly play. I normally use 500 Rummy to introduce card games to others because it is pretty easy to explain and understand.
- What features do gateway games share? Gateway games all share features like simple rules, short playtime, and low complexity. All these features are in gateway games so players aren’t overwhelmed,
- What are the 10 beautiful mechanics and what should you aim for on your own? Kingmakers Noblesse Oblige, BattleTech’s Heat, Set’s Set Making, Magic’s Card Tapping, Battle Cattle’s Cow Tipping Rule, xXxenophiles Popping, Bohanza’s Hand Order Rule, Mississippi Queen’s Paddlewheels, Time’s Up?’s Communication Breakdown, Domino’s Constant Shuffling. After reading, I realized that I need to aim to include rules that spark imagination, drive interaction, and make players want to play immediately. These mechanics feel like they shape the experience themselves, becoming part of the story rather than just a process.
How does luck and strategy factor into game play? Luck and strategy factor into game play because the player has to play their luck strategically. For example, poker is very luck heavy, but the players have to strategically think about how their cards work with the cards presented, and they have to strategically bluff/gamble with whatever cards they were dealt. It adds an unknown aspect and luck can let any player have the chance to win.